Drink Pairings for a Winter Meal

By Marnie Old and Sam Calagione

Updated August 29, 2014

Credit: Don Penny

Wine, beer, and cider selections that perfectly complement holiday menus.

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Credit: Don Penny

This rich Italian white has pleasing notes of pears and nuts.

A plump, honeyed California wine with a hint of peachy sweetness. Perfectly suited to turkey with cranberry sauce.

This blend, made with Chardonnay, Viognier, and Muscat, has a silky texture and scents of fig and spice.

Credit: Don Penny

A full-bodied Australian red, this opulent wine is dense with strawberry and raisin flavors.

Not too tart, this soft Beaujolais is ideal for the delicate white meat and fruit sauces of holiday spreads.

This luscious California classic is packed with aromas of black cherries, wild mushrooms, brown sugar, and cloves.

Credit: Don Penny

Aromatic hops and ample carbonation help this yeasty Pilsner cut through rich and fatty holiday dishes.

A quintessential ale, this not-too-bitter seasonal beer has a lot of spicy, floral flavors and a dry and fruity finish.

This brisk, refreshing hard cider is made from apples and accented with pear, resulting in a subtle sweet-tart flavor.

By Marnie Old and Sam Calagione